Joey Porter Jr. Cleared for Cowboys Debut Against Texans

Newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is set to make his Dallas Cowboys debut this Sunday against the Houston Texans. After participating in practice for two consecutive days, the defensive back has been cleared of any injury designation, marking a swift transition following his mid-week trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The move to bring Porter to Frisco was finalized late Wednesday night in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round selection. Despite initial concerns regarding back tightness that had sidelined him during his final days in Pittsburgh, Porter has reported feeling significantly better and has integrated into the Cowboys' training program without setbacks.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed this sentiment, noting that the coaching staff has developed a specific plan for his involvement. While Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of Porter successfully navigating back-to-back practice sessions, he praised the player's performance during his initial workouts. The team focused on integrating red-zone defensive schemes during Friday’s session to ensure the newcomer is comfortable with the defensive playbook before Sunday’s kickoff.

On a more positive note, the secondary receives a significant reinforcement with the return of safety Malik Hooker. After missing the last two games due to a fractured forearm sustained in the season opener, Hooker is cleared for action. Additionally, cornerback Shavon Revel, who had been limited early in the week with knee and ankle concerns, participated fully in Friday’s practice and carries no injury designation into the weekend.

For Porter, the prospect of facing the Texans carries a sense of familiarity. The cornerback last saw game action during the Steelers' wild-card playoff loss to Houston in January. Reflecting on that matchup, Porter expressed confidence in his ability to handle the Texans' offensive scheme and quarterback C.J. Stroud, noting that he is well-acquainted with their tendencies.